Fuel cell

[ALMACK]

This is from the Super Stock section in the rulebook regarding gas tanks:

GAS TANKS

Original stock-type fuel tank permitted; must be mounted in stock
location. Tank may be notched or sectioned for suspension
clearance or to fit narrowed rear-frame unit. If filler neck is relocated
into trunk, tank must have pressure cap and be vented to outside of
body. Trunk must be completely isolated from driver compartment
with firewall, minimum .024-inch steel or .032-inch aluminum.
Accessory tank(s) prohibited. Fuel cell permitted, minimum 3-
gallon, maximum 16-gallon capacity; may be mounted in trunk. Cool
cans, fuel blocks permitted. Only one fuel cell or tank permitted.

See General Regulations 1:5.

[HandOverFist]

I too would put one in the latest Stocker build Alan if allowed. I just emailed NHRA tech and asked the question...let's see what they say about it.

[Sean Marconette]

It clearly states "Must be in stock location" This is also the same for a battery. A few years ago batteries were being moved where people wanted to put them in the engine compartment. They are also supposed to be in the original as produced location.

Honestly why would you want to put 20-30 lbs on the front of the car when you can use it to your advantage for rear ballast? If you have ever raced at a place like Heartland Park Topeka, it is nothing to go through a lot of fuel just getting from the pits to the staging lanes and back. If you run your car light it could bite you.

Sean

[HandOverFist]

Originally Posted by Sean Marconette

It clearly states "Must be in stock location" This is also the same for a battery. A few years ago batteries were being moved where people wanted to put them in the engine compartment. They are also supposed to be in the original as produced location.

Honestly why would you want to put 20-30 lbs on the front of the car when you can use it to your advantage for rear ballast? If you have ever raced at a place like Heartland Park Topeka, it is nothing to go through a lot of fuel just getting from the pits to the staging lanes and back. If you run your car light it could bite you.

Sean

It is anything but clear Sean..."stock location" is referring to a factory tank, not a fuel cell. A cell located in the trunk is not in a stock location.

[Sean Marconette]

Stock location sure isn't in the front of the car either! Unless it is a Volkswagen bug! "Trunk floor
may be modified to accommodate fuel-cell sump. Where OEM gas
tank is in the trunk floor," They sure state TRUNK several times. Last time I checked a trunk of a car was in the back. Good luck and maybe there will be another amendment to the rulebook for better clarification.

Sean

[Jim Caughlin]

Double negatives don't work in regard to the rule book. In other words, saying 'the rule book didn't say I couldn't do it' will usually get you booted. Trust me, I've been there more than once. There is a 'not within the spirit of the rules' catch all that applies in these cases. Maybe the wording is a little confusing but it's pretty clear to me that they meant to say that a replacement fuel cell need to be in the stock location, I think it's safe to bet that a fuel cell in the engine compartment is going to get bounced.

Jim Caughlin
SS 6019

[Bob Mulry]

This is the exact reason that NHRA considers us a pain in the butt......